We need your help! - Charing Cross Housing Association
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Newsletter
T H E N E W S L E T T E R O F C H A R I N G C R O S S H O U S I N G A S S O C I AT I O N
Property Factor Registered Number: PF000225, VAT Registration Number: 624 1638 54 Scottish Charity Number: SC042842
SPRING 2021
We need your help!
The Scottish Housing Regulator
is engaging with us about
our governance and financial
management. We are taking steps
to improve our performance and are S c o t l a n d ’s p a r t i c i p a t i o n ex p e r t s
improve, tell them what is important TPAS want to set up a focus group
committed to making the necessary
for you: of tenants so you can influence the
changes to improve. As part of our
future direction of your Association.
considerations of our future we » Are our rents affordable? Can you spare us some time to have a
have decide to appoint TPAS (Tenant chat, over the phone by email or have
» Do you any outstanding repairs?
Participation Advisory Service) to a discussion with other tenants over
help us understand what is important » What is the quality of your
internet?
to you, our tenants. kitchens, bathrooms, windows etc.
» Local Office If you would like to help, please
TPAS want to find out what you think contact Theresa at the office on 0141
of Charing Cross Housing Association, » Local Staff 333 0404 or by email theresa.toner@
what we do well and how we can » Anything else CXHA.org.uk
www.cxha.org.uk
A message from our
Intermin Director
Hello everyone,
I’m delighted to be writing this article for
our newsletter for a number of reasons,
but principally because it gives me the
opportunity to introduce myself as the
Association’s Interim Director.
You will be aware that your Association has
been undergoing some significant changes
in how it is governed and the Scottish
Housing Regulator(SHR) has issued a recent
update on how it intends to engage with the
Association going forward. Their statement
is on their and the Association’s own website
so please have a look and if you have any
questions on it just let me know. However,
what is very clear the Association needs to
change and my role is start this process.
There are a number of issues currently The last year has been bleak for us all, I
being looked at in relation to the internal don’t need to tell you about the effects of the
workings of the Association and with the pandemic and the likely effects it will have
recent addition of new Committee members on our lives for some considerable time to
who have brought a wealth of housing come, that’s why it’s even more important
and Governance experience these issues that you all get involved be part of the
will indeed be dealt with and a real and process of change going forward. There’s lots
permanent change will happen. You need to of other information in this newsletter, but
part of this new way forward. In this news its theme is a new start a new beginning one
letter you will find out what we are doing to we can share and as a community we can
get you and your families involved in shaping make that happen.
the future. Its really important going forward
that you are able to tell us what you would So please read the newsletter, please get
like from us, how you expect us to respond involved and if there’s something we’ve
to your needs and expectations in the future missed then tell us as. one sure thing is
and it’s really important that you get the very clear we will listen, we will hear and we
chance to be part of the organisation, to be will respond as one community.
part of the decision making processes in
the future. You could join the management I hope you and your families all remain safe.
committee, or you could be part of a standing
focus group or you could event help set up With my best wishes,
a new tenants organisation to highlight your
issues. We need your help to make sure we Jim Strang
can all go forward as a community, together.
Interim Director.
Page 2
Coronavirus
update
This has been a really difficult time for everyone and we September 2020. We have introduced remote viewings
really appreciate your patience during these uncertain and these are proven to be very popular.
times. Going into another lockdown has been especially
We are aware that there are some issues in the
disheartening for many of us. But, hopefully it seems
community relating to the Council limiting it’s refuse and
that there may be some light at the end of the tunnel.
pest control. We will supply a further update on pest
As you know we were hoping to start opening the office in control later in the newsletter.
September 2020, but further restrictions have prevented
Please continue to follow the Scottish Government’s rules
this from happening. We are still delivering services
and guidance on Coronavirus and remember the FACTS:
remotely and staff appreciate the patience you have
shown over the past year. • Face coverings in enclosed spaces
Even though the restrictions are regularly reviewed, • Avoid crowded places
it would appear that restrictions are likely to remain • Clean your hands and surfaces regularly
with us for some time. We have been updating our risk
assessments and ensuring that we are meeting all our • Two meter social distancing
obligations to staff and customers. • Self isolate and book a test, if you develop Coronavirus
We are keeping in contact with customers providing symptoms
support where needed. Our Tenancy Sustainment Officer
is providing support remotely where possible for new and Emergency
Emergency Repairs
Repairs for
for Tenants
Tenants
existing tenants. Please don’t hesitate to get in contact if
required. Plumber,
Plumber, Joiner
Joiner andand roofing
roofing repairs
repairs OHEOHE
- - 0800
595 595
0800 595 595
We have also been delivering emergency repairs and gas
servicing, as well as close cleaning. We have continued Gas
Gas boiler
boiler OHEOHE 0141
0141 465465 2888
2888 (option1).
(option1).
with repairing and allocating our empty properties since
HEADS UP FOR GOOD
MENTAL HEALTH
Do you have good mental health?
Are you feeling low? Need Urgent Help?
Do you want someone to talk to? If you or someone you know
Struggling to know what help and urgently needs help or is in
assistance is in the Glasgow area to help a crisis call NHS 24 on 111
you? If you just need to talk
During these difficult times, sometimes we with someone, then the
just don’t know where to access help and following are here to help:
assistance for our mental health other than Samaritans -
our GP. Please see the link below to access 116 123 (freephone)
Mental Health Services and other health
services for help. Breathing Space -
0800 83 85 87 (freephone)
http://www.headsup.scot/services-and-
support/what-support-is-there-for-you/
Page 3
Rent increase
and change of rent
debit date consultation
As you know we recently held a rent this process. Hopefully this will be
consultation on increasing rents by
2% for general needs housing and 3
approved by lenders by the start of
the next financial year in April 2021.
What do you
% for shared ownership. This was
Once this is agreed, a full action plan
need to do?
recently passed by committee at the • If your rent is paid by HB,
will be distributed to tenants on what
meeting on the 20th January 2021. we will advise the council’s
we plan to do over the next five years.
We appreciate that this may be HB department of the
You will receive your individual
disappointing news for some of change in your rent.
letter advising what your rent and
you. We are starting to respond • If your rent is paid by
service charge costs will be for the
individually to those who took Universal credit, you will
forthcoming year, by the 1st of March
the time to make their voice need to update your online
2021.
heard. TThe Assocation always journal with the new details
relies on rental income to reinvest It was also agreed that we would
after the 1st April. We
in its stock. During our recent make a change to rent debit date for
cannot do this for you.
customer satisfaction survey, a tenants to the 1st of each month.
lot of you highlighted that you This means that you will see a rent • If you are a rent payer, we
wanted improvements in kitchens, charge applied to your account on will amend your Direct
bathrooms and closes to name a few. the 28th February as normal, with debit for you.
In order for us to do this effectively the next rent debit being applied
• If you pay by other means
we need to hold a big review of our on the 1st of April. You will not be
you will have to ensure that
asset strategy and have a good solid charged extra rent; all you need to do
you amend your payment
plan to improve our services. We is ensure that rent payments are paid
accordingly.
have approached new lenders to start by the 1st of each month.
Page 4
SMART SMOKE ALARMS
As some of you may know the Association has alarm such as date installed, battery life remaining,
embarked on a new smoke alarm installation Carbon Monoxide levels, end of life etc. this enables
project, driven in the main by new legislation the Association to receive alerts when there is a
passed by the Scottish Government. This problem with the unit within your property this will
legislation requires all households in Scotland to fit enable the Association to keep your smoke/fire
interconnected smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detection system working safely.
(where required) alarms in kitchens, hallways,
With all this said the Associations Maintenance
living room/lounge, wherever there is a fossil fuel
Officer (Alasdair Weir) was invited to an online
burning appliance ie gas or coal fire and primary
national event on safety and compliance. Alasdair
escape routes (this could be a bedroom where an
was asked to represent the Association as a panel
ensuite is present).
member answering questions from housing
This legislation forms a small part of the Associations and local authorities from throughout
requirements placed upon social landlords to the UK on aspects of fire safety and legal
help keep their residents safe. With compliance within the housing sector.
this in mind the Association has It is testament to the hard work of
went a step further and has all the Associations staff that
started successfully installing Alasdair was asked as the only
something called a Gateway. Scottish representative onto
This unit for the techies this forum which hosted
amongst you is a 2G GSM more than 700 delegates.
roaming sim unit, which
Over the next year the
codes to the property and
roll out of the Gateway
the alarms contained
system will be ramped
within the property and
up and you will hopefully
securely transfers to a
see one in your property
cloud-based dashboard
soon helping to keep you
information about the
safe.
Gas Servicing & the Pandemic
The annual gas safety check is a that the contractor does
legal requirement for both your not have to touch anything
safety and the safety of your to access these areas
household and neighbours. 2. Open all doors/
During the pandemic, we have cupboard etc leading to
continued to carry out gas servicing the appliance to limit
in line with Government Guidance the surfaces that the
and our contractors are taking contractor touches
extra precautions to ensure your 3. Open a window or door
safety and their safety during the in the room that the
visit. contractor is working
Such measures include, regular 4. Keep 2 meters away from
hand sanitising, wearing a the contractor at all times
facemask/suitable PPE and wiping 5. If you are comfortable to
down any surfaces that they have do so, please wear a face
touched. covering when the operative is Please note that the Association
in your home is continuing to exercise it’s right
When an operative comes to your to take forcible entry to properties
home, there are certain things you 6. If you or any other member to complete the gas safety check
can do too to ensure your safety of your household are unwell, therefore please ensure you
and the safety of the contractor: please immediately reschedule respond to all correspondence
your appointment regarding your gas safety check to
1. Ensure that access to the boiler
and gas appliances is clear so avoid a forced access.
Page 5
TENANT PORTAL
We launched the new tenant
portal last October 2020.
if you should be treated as an
emergency. You can also then COMING
SOON!
track your repair.
If you have an email address you
can easily be set up for access to • Check statements
this. You can check your rent We will be launching a
statements and ensure that new online waiting form
You can do a lot at your own
your accounts are up-to-date that can be completed
convenience and download forms
quickly and efficiently • Permission forms by applicants as well.
You can download forms to this will increase our
• Repairs efficiency and allow you
apply for permission and also
You can report repairs, to complete forms at
for housing, without waiting for
including uploading photos to your fingertips.
staff to post out paper forms.
allow us to assess remotely
Improved
Opportunities
Medium Engagement for Tenant
– What does it mean Feedback
As you know the Association was requisite skills and expertise of Tenant feedback is very important
moved to medium engagement the housing and finance sector to the Association and to make it
with the Scottish Housing as per recommendation of the even easier to provide feedback,
Regulator in June 2018 due to SHR especially in light of the pandemic,
concerns about the governance the Association has a new computer
• Will be commissioning an
of the Association and its failure system that allows us to send
options appraisal of the
to comply with all the Regulatory satisfaction surveys via SMS, email
Association
Standards. or via the Tenant’s Portal.
• Introduced a comprehensive This facility has already been set up
In the last newsletter we advised
Internal Audit plan to ensure for a number of surveys, including
that we had sent out Governance
that the Association is acting in Close Cleaning Surveys and Repair
Improvement Action Plan the
the best interests of the tenant Satisfaction Surveys. Surveys will
Scottish Housing Regulator. They
did advise that the plan needed • Staff and committee members be short, usually 4 questions and the
some changes so in the past have agreed to an intense cost of responding to these via SMS
two months the Management period of training and should be covered within your mobile
Committee and staff have done the development of services plan, however, please check with
following your provider first.
While COVID 19 has hampered
• Developed an improved some of the efforts throughout For tenant’s who do not have a
Governance Improvement plan the past year, staff and committee mobile phone or email address, we
with an external consultant members are fully committed to will continue to send paper surveys
working towards full compliance in the post to ensure every tenant has
• Welcomed 4 new committee the opportunity to provide feedback.
and providing excellent services to
members who have the
our tenants and community.
Page 6
NEW SERVICES Suffering from no
Download The No
www.thenoiseapp
ise nuisance?
ise App
.com
Increasing Noise App
Safety in your We have now entered
into a 4 weeks trial of
home the Noise App
This gives tenants the
opportunity to report
noise nuisance quickly
to us your landlord.
you simply have to
download the app
We’re always looking for new
ways to support our tenants. onto your smartphone
We’ve recently signed up to a new device via app store
initiative with Police Scotland or google play Step 1
and other housing Associations, select your landlord Download The Nois
App on the Google
e
Step 2
Create your acco
unt
Step 3
Step 4
and choose the To report a nuisance
to support those affected by and record the noise disturbance.
Store. Direct links This
Play or the Apple
App
can
Service Provider
inve
762 to
simply hold the icon
make a 30-secon
,
Await response from
the Service Prov
ider
stiga
harassment and domestic abuse. be found on
automatically flag to us and we
www.the can
noiseap
te your noise
p.com use thisrts.as evidence
nuisance repo
d investigating your
complete a form in actions
recording of the
noise, repo
rts.
case
and
This new initiative will install video against antisocial tenants.
submit your repo
online.
rt
doorbells (at no cost to the tenant)
to increase safety in their own Please below link for a walkthrough of the noise app Please use The Nois
e
App responsibly
homes. It’s hoped this initiative https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40hokkxnIrA
which is led by Police Scotland will
be up and running in the summer You will also find more information relating to this exciting
2021. development on our website
EXTERNAL FABRIC
REPAIRS COMPLETED
Comprehensive external fabric repairs at the iconic The Association has been working with the owners at
Stuart and Stuart building in Woodlands Road were a number of properties to progress essential fabric
completed December 2020 and the last sections of repairs and roofing and stonework repairs at 19 St
scaffolding were removed just before the Christmas Vincent Crescent are nearing completion with similar
holidays. The total project cost was in excess of works at 62-64 St Vincent Crescent commencing
£500,000 and the works included roofing and onsite in March 2021 subject to clement weather.
stonework repairs, structural works, rot treatments Both of these addresses were awarded grant from
and internal close redecorations. There are still the City Council and a number of other properties
some internal works to be completed and the are awaiting voluntary repair grant from the Council
resurfacing of the saloon roof at the rear requires a so that essential fabric repairs can be carried out in
period of dry weather. The saloon roof works have 2021-2022.
been pencilled in for February/March 2021 though
this is of course weather dependent.
Page 7
Management
Committee updates
Retirement of members Julia Mulloy
Several of our long standing members have recently Chief Executive of Scottish Borders Housing Association.
retired from the committee. Gordon Laurie
• Naseer Ahmad Gordon is a retired RSL senior officer, Gordon’s position
before he retired was senior officer of Sanctuary Scotland
• Sakina Muhammed Housing Association.
• Razia Haq Patrick McGrath
We would like to thank them for all their input and Patrick is the Director of Southside Housing Association,
dedication over the years to the Association and an RSL which is based in a culturally diverse area of
community. Glasgow.
Martin Wilkie-McFarlane
New members Martin is Director of Wellhouse Housing Association.
We would like to welcome our new members. They were These new members have a wealth of experience in the
initially appointees due to the vacancies that had arisen housing Association movement that can only assist the
but are now full committee members. Association to provide brilliant customer service to our
tenants and further develop the Association for the future.
Staffing update
Welcome!
Farewell and Good Luck! Jim Strang has now taken on the role of Interim Director
As most of you may know, Elaine Lister has of the Association and started in November 2020. He has
left the organisation for pastures new in a wealth of experience, skills and knowledge, which will be
October 2020. We would like to take this invaluable to the Association. He has already started work on
opportunity to thank Elaine for all her hard moving the Association forward in this time of change. One
work over the past three years and wish her of which is consulting with tenants on the future vision of the
well for the future. Association and the service it provides its tenants and the
community.
CONTACTING THE OFFICE
There are a number of ways you can contact us: By visiting the office
CHARING CROSS HOUSING ASSOCIATION By post
31 ASHLEY STREET By phone on 0141 333 0404
GLASGOW G3 6DR
By Email at cxha@cxha.org.uk
Opening hours – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
– 9.00 am to 4.30 pm, 1st & 3rd Wednesday (9.00 am Via the Website at www.cxha.org.uk
to 1.00 pm closed) Open from 1.00 pm to 4.30 pm Via Twitter @CharingCrossHA
Scottish Housing Regulator Registration Number: HCB 88, Registered Office: 31 Ashley Street, Glasgow, G3 6DR
Property Factor Registered Number: PF000225, VAT Registration Number: 624 1638 54,
Scottish Charity Number: SC042842
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